ProfitDrawer's mobile bar business guide gives an example budget of about $1,050 to $13,900. The biggest lines are a portable bar or converted trailer ($300 to $8,000), licenses, permits and registration ($100 to $1,500), insurance including liquor liability for the first months ($300 to $1,500) and bar tools, cups and coolers ($200 to $1,200). Many owners prove demand with a portable bar before buying a trailer. These are example ranges; your costs will differ.
Example budget (your costs will differ):
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Portable bar or converted trailer | $300 | $8,000 |
| Bar tools, glassware or cups, coolers and ice chests | $200 | $1,200 |
| Licenses, permits and registration | $100 | $1,500 |
| Insurance, including liquor liability (first months) | $300 | $1,500 |
| Server training or certificates | $0 | $300 |
| Signs, drink menus and photos | $100 | $800 |
| Marketing and a simple website | $50 | $600 |
| Total | $1,050 | $13,900 |
Licenses and insurance vary a lot by area, and selling or supplying the alcohol yourself is usually much more regulated than bartending only, where the host buys it (see answer 123). A trailer or vintage vehicle bar may also need its own permits and a tow vehicle.
In the guide's worked example (client buys the alcohol), a 4 hour, 100 guest event with 2 bartenders costs $573 in labor, mixers and ice, driving, insurance and equipment wear; adding 25% to the cost (a 25% markup) gives $716.25, rounded to a $725 package, or $7.25 per guest. Put your own numbers into the free startup cost calculator.
Source: How to Start a Mobile Bar Business (ProfitDrawer guide) · Updated
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General information, not tax, legal or financial advice. Check the rules for your state and your situation.